The FSCC Board of Trustees will be holding a special board meeting on Thursday, Feburary 29 at 1:00 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center. After calling the meeting to order, the board will adjourn to executive session for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship. A majority of board members may be present at noon to tour student housing, but no business will be conducted during the tour.
TOPEKA – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation declaring the week of March 3-9, 2024, Kansas Talking Books Week. According to the proclamation, the federal Pratt-Smoot Act, enacted on March 3, 1931, established free library services for blind adults, administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) in the Library of Congress.
During Talking Books Week, the State Library of Kansas is celebrating services that Kansans with a print impairment can enjoy with a Talking Books account. Governor Kelly’s proclamation highlights the variety of more than 150,000 accessible reading materials and additional information services, including a new statewide sponsorship by the agency of NFB-Newsline. A service of the National Federation of the Blind, NFB-Newsline provides library patrons access to hundreds of newspapers, magazines, emergency weather alerts, job listings, and more by phone, internet, an iOS app, and an Alexa skill.
The Director of the Talking Books Division Michael Lang noted, “we encourage our current and potential patrons to explore the variety of services offered and the options for customization available through Kansas Talking Books. We want every user to find their perfect fit of service to meet their needs.”
Talking Books Week programming will be shared on social media at facebook.com/kansas.
Kansas Talking Books, a division of the State Library of Kansas, proudly serves patrons who are blind, visually impaired, physically impaired, or otherwise print disabled in all 105 counties across the state with the assistance of outreach centers in Norton, Great Bend, and Iola. All services are provided at no cost to the patron. To learn more about services from the State Library’s Talking Books Division, call toll-free 1-800-362-0699 or visit kslib.info/Talking-Books.
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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Spring Open House, Find the Golden Egg shopping event which will take place on Friday and Saturday March 22nd and 23rd. Most stores in the Downtown Historic District and several additional locations will be participating in the hunt.
Customers are invited to shop local retailers to search for the hidden gold eggs. The golden eggs will contain coupons, promotions, Chamber Bucks, and more.
In addition to the shopping fun that weekend, there will be plastic multi-colored eggs hidden around Downtown on Saturday the 24th after 10 a.m. suitable for young children to find.
The Chamber encourages the community to join the hunt on March 23rd-24th. Get ‘egg-cited’ to shop local. Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
Robert Evans “Bob” Hirons, age 77, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Advent Shawnee Mission Hospital in Merriam, Kansas following complications from extensive back surgery. He was born December 10, 1946, in Kansas City Missouri. He attended public school in Independence, Missouri and eventually moved with his family to Overland Park, Kansas and became part of the second graduating class at Shawnee Mission West High School. Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968 where he was deployed in Korea with a unit that trained troops for the Vietnam War. He also served in the Kansas National Guard from 1979-1984.
Bob returned to Kansas City after his Army service and soon began a 40-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. During this time, he also served as a union representative and steward with the American Postal Workers Union. Bob met his wife, Barbara Joan Hirons at a New Year’s Eve party in her hometown of Fredonia, KS. They began dating when they were both back in Kansas City and were married on March 17, 1970. They moved to Fort Scott in 1971 and have resided in their beloved Victorian home on Crawford Street since 1976. Bob dedicated much of his free time to serving at Community Christian Church in various roles including Sunday school teacher, deacon, elder, treasurer, and board chairman. He and Joan joined Rinehart Christian Church and he has poured himself into caring for this church community over the last 6 years. Bob was passionate about baseball. He enjoyed coaching his sons’ little league teams, religiously followed the Kansas City Royals, and loved taking trips with his family to visit stadiums throughout the country. He also loved to follow the KU Jayhawks with his two sons and the KSU Wildcats with his grandson. Bob took great delight caring for his grandchildren in their earliest years, and loved attending their piano recitals, athletic events, and school activities as they grew older.
Survivors include his wife Joan and his children Michael (Julie) of Leawood and Scott (Alison) of Overland Park and three grandchildren: Shade, Phoebe and Nora Hirons, all of Overland Park. Also surviving are his brother Franklin Hirons (Lori) of St. Croix, VI and his sister Sandra Garrison (Dan) of Asheville, North Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Hirons (1973) and Edith Hirons Dennis (2017).
Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Friday, March 1st, at the Rinehart Christian Church in Richards, MO. Burial will follow at 1:30 PM in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott. The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:30 Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Rinehart Christian Church Building Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
To view a prior feature on Advance Bourbon County’s beginnings:
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All Republicans and independents are invited to the Republican meeting on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, 6 pm, at Ft Scott Livestock Market, 2131 Maple Rd, Ft Scott, KS
Submitted by:
Deb Martin, Correspondence Secretary
Washington, D.C. – The Biden Administration’s attempt to update the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has put millions of students’ financial futures in limbo. The failed rollout of the new FAFSA program and the mismanagement by the U.S. Department of Education has led to a nationwide delay on the 2023-2024 FAFSA applications.
Students seeking federal financial aid for higher education courses must complete the FAFSA paperwork to be eligible for the assistance. Unfortunately, the continued hiccups with the Education Departments FAFSA program has created widespread uncertainty for students, parents, and colleges going into the next school year.
“Repeated delays by the Department of Education in rolling out the new FAFSA application have left millions of students and schools in limbo for the upcoming school year,” said Senator Roger Marshall. “Right now, colleges continue to lack the essential data required to formulate financial aid offers, leading to significant uncertainty for students’ futures. The mismanagement within the Department of Education disproportionately affects first-generation and low-income college students, who are most reliant on assistance to pursue higher education. As a community college graduate myself, I understand the stress these students face from this mismanagement.”
To help students and families navigate this period of uncertainty, Senator Marshall has published a new FAFSA resource guide. The guide includes links and contact information for his office for further assistance.
FAFSA Resources for Students and Parents
Parents and prospective college students continue to struggle with completing the new FAFSA forms. Below are resources and best practices for the most common concerns and complaints.
If you have tried the resources below and cannot resolve your issue, please contact our office at (785) 829-9000 for additional assistance.
Filling out the FAFSA
https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out
FAFSA Deadlines
https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines
Renewing your FAFSA
https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/renew
Correcting a current FAFSA Form
https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct
IRS Data Retrieval Tool
https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-is-irs-drt
Completing the FAFSA without a contributor SSN
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support/contributor-social-security-number
Understanding the Types of Student Aid
https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/topic/types_of_aid/articles
Overview of the Student Aid Report
https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/review-and-correct/sar-student-aid-report
Background:
February 20, 2024 Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting with Commissioners Jim Harris and Clifton Beth and the County Clerk present in person with Commissioner Nelson Blythe attending via phone.
Mark McCoy, Jason Silvers, Patty Ropp, Michael Hoyt, Charles Gentry, Anne Dare, Elizabeth Nuss, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Michael Hoyt said he is working with schools to try to get 17-year-olds to register if they turn 18 before the election day.
Justin Meeks, County Counselor, said it is ultimately the Commission’s decision to decide on ballot wording. Justin said he thinks there is a viable option in what they are presenting tonight and part of tonight’s discussion is if we don’t have an emergency room how do we handle EMS. Clifton asked if Nelson had the two questions that Justin handed out, so Justin took a picture and sent them to Nelson. Justin discussed the time to hold the election whether that be in April or May and the cost associated with holding a special election which is estimated at $7,000-$10,000. Jim asked Charles Gentry if he would like to comment. Charles said on the issue of timing it is listed at 5 years with the language stating upon termination and explained there are two options to terminate which is it can sunset at the end of 5 years or can be put back on the ballot to repeal the sales tax. Jim said he would hope in two or three years we would have an ER but if not we would need to buy additional ambulances. Wording options were discussed between the Commissioners. Jim said a May election would be better for the citizens who are forming a committee who have a lot of work to do with promoting. Clifton said he would like to clarify the Commissioners did not form a committee and that it was citizens who decided to form the committee. Charles Gentry stated if the election is moved to May, then the July 1st date when sales tax would begin would have to be changed. Justin said with the Chairman’s permission he would like to work with Clifton Beth and Charles Gentry on the issue of what to do with EMS if we do not get an emergency room. Jim asked if the election is going to be in May if we would have time to table this until next week. Justin said yes, but we need as much time as possible to allow the public to research and be informed. Nelson said the sooner we get this on the ballot the better and that he would like the language to state a sunset date and make sure people know we can end by vote before 5 years. Justin said he can amend the language and have ready for the Commissioners to vote at the next meeting. Clifton asked if we generate 1.5 million dollars with the sales tax but the emergency room only needed $700,00 do we guarantee them a profit by handing over 1.5 million? Jim stated he is not going to vote on handing a blank check to anybody. Clifton asked what you would do with the extra money? Jim suggested Justin go back and work with Charles and Clifton and stated he would like the question to be short, to the point, and honest because we don’t want to send mixed messages. Justin said he asked for Clifton to be the Commissioner involved as the healthcare liaison. Nelson asked if there was contact information for those involved on the committees for the public to reach out. Justin said he is not sure since the wording is not final.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, stated Susan Walker, CFO, is working on the additional pay for those who worked while the courthouse was closed during the ice storm. At the last meeting it was decided to pay public works, EMS, and Sheriff’s department employees who worked an additional 8 hours. Susan was unable to attend tonight’s meeting but wanted to make sure that this will be an additional 8 hours straight time regardless of the number of hours the employees worked and were paid time and a half for. It was agreed upon by the Commissioners that is how they would like the employees who physically worked that day to be paid.
Justin Meeks, County Counselor, requested a 10-minute executive session. Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include all three Commissioners, with Justin calling Nelson on his cell phone, and Justin Meeks for 10-minutes to return at 6:22. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:22 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to add another executive session. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to go back into executive session under KSA (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include all three Commissioners, with Justin calling Nelson on his cell phone, and Justin Meeks for 10-minutes to return at 6:34. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:34 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim and Clifton did not have any comments this evening. Nelson said a prayer during his Commission comments time.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:36. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
2-26-2024 Approved Date
February 12, 2024 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Nelson Blythe and the County Clerk present.
Michael Hoyt, Jason Silvers, Anne Dare, Clint Walker, Charles Gentry, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 2-5-24, approval of payroll totaling $297,154.89, and approval of accounts payable totaling $810,179.43. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Michael Hoyt reminded everybody to register to vote before February 20th to be able to participate in the election in March. Michael said anybody who is going to turn 18 by election day can register to vote as well and the County Clerk confirmed this.
Trevor Jacobs, State Representative, called into the meeting to ask the Commissioners to support a resolution opposing the entry, transportation, employment, and settlement of illegal immigrants in Bourbon County. Nelson read the entire resolution and stated Wallace County, Kansas passed a similar resolution in the last few weeks. Trevor commended the Commissioners for entertaining the resolution. Nelson made a motion to pass resolution 04-24. Jim discussed the resolution stating he just received it and wanted to have the County Counselor review and wait until Clifton is back to vote on it. The motion died due to a lack of a second. Nelson said he sent the resolution to Justin about a week ago. Justin said it is not a contract and is not binding so it is up to the Commission if they would like to pass. Jim stated he would like to postpone until the next meeting so all three Commissioners have a chance to vote. Trevor asked to participate in the discussion at the next meeting.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented an application for utility construction for Chris Meech at 1997 195th Street to have electric ran under the road. Nelson made a motion to approve the permit and sign it. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Eric stated the storm this morning was crazy with an approximate 7-mile radius around Fort Scott having snow and slush on the roads. Eric said a crew went out to push the snow off the road. Eric said when the courthouse was closed due to the ice storm those who work at the courthouse were paid for 8 hours and asked that his crew get paid 8 hours in addition to what they were paid for working that day. Eric said it was a tough storm. Jim said it was discussed how the employees would be paid in the event of a courthouse closure a few weeks ago but agreed they had a tough job and that we ask a lot out of the crew. Jim said he was in favor of chasing and paying them 8 hours. Jim made a motion to change the policy and pay public works, EMS, and the Sheriff’s department employees who worked during the ice storm an additional 8 hours. Nelson discussed changing the decision and asked if employees will come back in the future and want more. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they are clearing overburden at Blake Quarry for a blast. Jim asked how things were going at Shepard Quarry and Eric said they started out rough but are getting better. Eric said they are hauling rock as fast and best as they can. Nelson said he had a few people ask if they could grade Locust Road west of Redfield. Nelson said they were happy about the rock they received but it is wash boarded. Eric said the rock was put down when extremely muddy and that he would have a grader work on the road.
Sheriff Bill Martin presented the Equitable Sharing Agreement Certification for the Chairman to sign. Sheriff Martin stated the agreement shows we haven’t received any money. Nelson made a motion to allow the Chairman to sign the agreement. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Sheriff Martin stated several weeks ago a vehicle was totaled and we will receive $16,485 from KCAMP and he is here to ask for an additional $35,000 to purchase a replacement vehicle. The Sheriff said four bids were sent out and City State Bank responded with a bid for $37,119.00 but will actually end up being $35,619 due to the deductible being lower than he thought. Jim asked if the $35,000 is for one vehicle and asked if Susan found any money available so they didn’t have to finance. Sheriff Martin said he did not hear back from Susan. Nelson made a motion to allow the Sheriff to move forward with purchasing a vehicle either through a loan or by working with the CFO to see if we can purchase the vehicle outright. Jim added he would like the CFO to respond within 24 hours. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Justin Meeks, County Counselor, stated last week he proposed several options for a sales tax to help fund healthcare. Justin read the two options and stated words are important as we can allow for additional EMS funding if we are unable to secure and emergency room. Jim stated he liked the wording of the second option, but the shortness of the first option. Justin stated the second option is more specific and gives a timeline and tells what happens if REH gets approved. There was discussion over wording and timelines and it was decided to work on the options and that they can hold a special meeting if needed when Clifton is available to vote on the final ballot language. Charles Gentry said those who are forming a committee will want to know ballot language as soon as possible due to the amount of work needed to promote the issue.
Justin Meeks requested a 7-minute executive session. Nelson made a motion to go into executive session under KSA (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks for 7-minutes to return at 6:28. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 6:28 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to go back into executive session under KSA (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship to include both Commissioners and Justin Meeks for 10-minutes to return at 6:40. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 6:40 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim did not have any comments tonight. Nelson said a prayer during his Commission comment section.
Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:41. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
2-26-2024 Approved Date
